The Ministry of Education has announced that boarding school students will be released for their half-term break starting Monday, June 24. This sudden change deviates from the original schedule, which had the break beginning on Wednesday, June 26. The decision was communicated to school principals through a memo, which explained that the early release is aimed at allowing students and their parents enough time to plan their travel ahead of the anticipated Finance Bill protests on Tuesday.
The Ministry’s directive prompted school principals to notify parents to collect their children starting today. Those unable to pick up their children today will have to wait until Wednesday. This change is part of a broader response to the public outcry against the Finance Bill 2024 proposals, which have sparked significant unrest across the country.
Since last Tuesday, a large number of Kenyans, particularly from Generation Z, have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the proposed Finance Bill. The demonstrations have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the bill, which many believe will negatively impact the country’s economic situation. The protests have been particularly intense, reflecting deep-seated frustrations among the population.
The protests reached a peak on Thursday of last week, spreading across multiple cities and towns, including Eldoret, Nanyuki, and Nyeri, among others. These protests have been marked by high levels of participation and have drawn attention to the public’s concerns about the bill. The government’s decision to amend the school calendar is a direct response to the growing unrest and aims to mitigate any potential disruptions caused by the protests.
Overall, the early half-term break is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and convenience of students and their families amidst the ongoing political and social turmoil in the country. The Ministry of Education’s proactive stance underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for adaptive measures in times of national unrest.